Demonstone

How my mind works when I see posts by @dpositive lobbying for Fishermen's Bend/Port Melbourne ...

Is there an echo in here?

Last time I tried weighing myself on the talking scales, the machine said "One at a time, please".

I don't know about that, but I can share the results of a recent University study. The research discovered that women who carry a little extra weight outlive the men who mention it.

My only wish in regards to the Premiership Window is that we don't get defenestrated.

This excerpt is from Fred's bio on the truly magnificent and highly recommended Demonwiki website: After leaving Hamilton he coached Coleraine in 1953 and announced his retirement at the end of the year, but attempted a comeback with the Demons in 1954. After watching the pre-season matches he asked the club for a chance to win his spot on the list. He played one practice game but appeared well overweight at 115kg and only had one kick in the first half. He was not selected for the final list.

I'll give it to you on a technicality!

Fred only had one stint at Melbourne from 1938-1947. He then left to coach Hamilton and never returned to the VFL.

I'm not interested in an illusive flag. I want a real one!

You're missing this piece of revealing information.

Answer revealed a few posts ago, @Timothy Reddan-A'Blew.

I reckon you'd qualify on two fronts, Ethan. 1. Solving cryptic clues requires a warped mind. 2. You're ET. Your first language is alien.

We're about to cop a thunderstorm here and I'd best turn my computer off, but not before revealing the common factor being that all the players are currently on our list. The reference in the OP to "since the year 2000" was a pink herring. Sorry! Thanks to those who played. See ya all later.

Yes, it was again the esteemed @WalkingCivilWar who pipped @Timothy Reddan-A'Blew at the post and correctly identified the last player. 3. Windsor ("turns" = winds + "alternative" = or which makes Windsor).

Number three has indeed been answered but I'll leave it open for a bit longer. For the virtual bonus point, what common factor links these ten players?

Number three is the only one remaining seeing as @WalkingCivilWar has filled her boots with: 1. Oliver Sestan (anagram of "ales investor" that is drunk).

Didn't want to give it away!

I'll give you Petracca (you were first) but somebody else got Fullarton before you.

Well done to @Jjrogan who was a second too late with Tom Fullarton but did solve: 10. Jacob van Rooyen (anagram of "a banjo conveyor" which was shattered).

Kudos to @WalkingCivilWar who was not only the first to identify Tom Sparrow and Harrison Petty, but also supplied the answer for: 9. Bayley Fritsch (anagram of "yachts briefly" which changed course).

A revered poster who wishes to remain anonymous has found two more. 2. Christian Petracca (anagram of "A scratchier captain" with the letters irritated). 4. Tom Fullarton (anagram of "floral mutton" which was chopped up).

@poita has hit the jackpot with two more correct answers. 5. Harrison Petty (anagram of "ant prehistory" which he analysed) 8. Sparrow (box = spar [again!] + fight = row which makes Sparrow)

The letter count may have helped! Well done to @WalkingCivilWar who has answered correctly that: 6. Christian Salem (anagram of "sarin alchemist" that she found the formula for) 9. Spargo (box = spar + run = go which makes Spargo)

OP now edited to include letter count. Have at it!

Yes and yes! I was expecting to hear from yourself and @WalkingCivilWar, cryptic fans both. Some clues are easier than others. Some are surname only, others both names included. They also have something in common but that's not the object of the puzzle.